Discover the story of Al Capone, the most feared gangster in American history. From bootlegging to Alcatraz, here’s how “Scarface” built a crime empire and became a legend.
🕴️ Who Was Al Capone?
Al Capone, also known as “Scarface,” was one of the most dangerous and powerful gangsters in American history.
He was born on January 17, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York.
His real name was Alphonse Gabriel Capone.
He was the son of Italian immigrants.
From a young age, Capone got involved with street gangs.
By his early twenties, he had moved to Chicago and joined the underworld.
🍸 The Rise of a Crime Boss
During the Prohibition era (1920-1933), alcohol was banned in the U.S.
But Capone saw this as a golden opportunity.
He started bootlegging—secretly making and selling alcohol.
And it made him millions.
He controlled bars, breweries, nightclubs, and even city officials.
Capone became the boss of the Chicago Outfit, a powerful crime group.
He ran gambling, drug trafficking, and extortion.
At one point, he earned over $100 million a year—a fortune at the time.
🩸 Violence and the Valentine’s Day Massacre
Capone’s rule was bloody.
He used violence to keep control.
One of the most shocking events was the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929.
Seven members of a rival gang were lined up and shot dead in a garage.
Though Capone was never proven guilty, most believed he was behind it.
This event shocked America and made Capone even more infamous.
👮 Trouble with the Law
Capone was very clever.
He paid off police, politicians, and even judges.
For a long time, he avoided serious punishment.
But in the early 1930s, federal agents finally found a way to bring him down.
Not for murder or smuggling—but for tax evasion.
In 1931, Al Capone was found guilty of not paying taxes.
He was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
🏝️ From Alcatraz to His Final Days
Capone was first sent to Atlanta prison, but he was treated like a king there.
So, he was moved to Alcatraz, a high-security island prison.
There, he had no power and suffered badly.
He also became very sick.
He had syphilis, which was untreated for years.
By the time he was released in 1939, he was mentally and physically weak.
Capone spent his last years quietly in Florida.
He died on January 25, 1947, at age 48.
🧠 Why He Still Matters
Al Capone remains a symbol of crime, power, and corruption in America.
He is one of the most studied figures in history.
Movies, books, and TV shows are still made about him.
People are fascinated by how one man could control a city with fear and money.
To understand America’s crime history, you must know Al Capone.
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